Combined Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University

Programme overview

A combined DPT/PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences for students with exceptional academic promise and strong research interest. Students begin mentored research early in the DPT programme and can earn PhD units from the summer of the second DPT year.

Faculty: College of Health (Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences) | Department: Physical Therapy | Duration: Approximately 6-7 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Mentored research in a faculty lab from early in the DPT, academic practicum PT 682/782 in the mentor's lab, a manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal (also a PhD requirement), and PhD coursework or directed reading/study with a PhD mentor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The Physical Therapy Department offers a combined Physical Therapy Doctorate/PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences (DPT/PhD) program for students with exceptional academic promise and strong motivation for a career in research (~6–7 years). Entry-level DPT students who express interest in the combined DPT/PhD program begin mentored research training in a research laboratory early in the DPT program. Students formally apply to the combined DPT/PhD program in their second year.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences master's programmes admit for Fall 2027; Spring 2027 entry is offered for selected programmes (Economics MS programmes, History of Art & Architecture MA, Preservation Studies MA, Online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence).

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Fall 2027 master's deadlines are mostly priority January 15 and final March 15 (African American & Black Diaspora Studies priority February 15, final March 15; Preservation Studies February 15; Sociology and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Spring 2027 deadlines for selected programmes are priority October 15 and final November 15. Applications are submitted through the online application; the GRE is required only for the Economics MS/MA programmes and the MS in Psychological & Brain Sciences.

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